When I first became aware of my social class (by Tom Collins)

This took me longer to figure out than other things.  I never really thought that there was a social order or structure until I met someone who had less than me.  I remember having this family that lived near my Aunt Maggie that had to come and stay with her every once in a while because their power would get cut off.  I couldn’t fathom the thought of not having power and why her power was getting cut off so often.  I remember my mama explaining to me that not as many people were as fortunate as us and not everyone had the means to pay all of their bills every month without help.  A couple Christmases after that I remember my parents buying the little boy whose lights got cut off frequently a bike, reminding us the reason for the season is to give back to those less fortunate than you.  I’ll never forget that and I’ll never forget the boy who put a face on poverty or a lower social class for me.  His name was David.  I'm glad.